WA U18 Side Takes Stock After Allies Defeat Monday, July 11, 2022 - 3:32 PM - by Mark Readings

WA’s campaign at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships hit another hurdle, suffering a 12-point defeat to the Allies in Adelaide at the weekend. 

After conceding the first six goals of the game, WA fought back and looked set to claim victory when they drew level in the final quarter, only to see the Allies kick the last three goals of the game. 

State coach Ben Dyer was left to lament a sluggish opening quarter. 

It was a very disappointing day. 

While we showed character to put ourselves in a position to win the game late in the game, ultimately, we wouldn’t have been in that position if we had been on the front foot from the start.  

Our attention to detail was way off.  

Little things like being half a metre behind at a centre bounce resulting in a clearance against, so not working early enough in transition means you don’t support your defence.  

When you aren’t on with those fundamentals you get exposed, and at this level you pay for it on the scoreboard,” Dyer said. 

Forward Corey Tregenza-Cashell, the son of former WAFL goalkicking star Rod, kicked four goals. 

“He’s been a real target for us, and the strength of his game is his ability to take the ball at its highest point under pressure and that’s not something that every young forward can do. 

His improvement across the colts season for Peel was very impressive and if he can impact in the remaining carnival games, I’m confident that there’ll be some interest in him,” Dyer said. 

Midfielder Darcy Jones was again prominent with 23 possessions and a goal,  

defender Jedd Busslinger collected 25 disposals but is battling a shoulder injury, while Reuben Ginbey had 23 touches. 

Jed Hagan also bobbed up with two goals to play his role for WA. 

Despite two defeats to kick off the Championships, Dyer has cause for optimism. 

“We improved our efficiency going inside 50 compared to the first game against Vic Metro so that was pleasing.  

We worked on this, and it was pleasing to see it happen. 

Some players who have adapted well to the increased pressure of these games,” he said. 

The squad faces of week of planning and preparation before its next assignment. 

“We’ll be looking at individually and collectively what we need to do to ensure that we’re on the front foot at the start of the game against Vic Country this weekend.  

It’ll be important that our training reflects this on Tuesday and Thursday before we fly out on Saturday,” Dyer said. 

WA plays Vic Country in Geelong this Sunday as part of a double-header at GMHBA Stadium. 

18s Full Time Score:

Allies – 11.7 73 

WA – 9.7 61  

Goal Kickers:

D. Jones 

J. Hagan – 2  

M. Barron  

J. Cleaver  

C. Tregenza – 4  

Best Players:

R. Ginbey  

J. Hagan  

K. Tholstrup 

D. Jones 

S. Gilbey  

C. Tregenza